You mean to tell me that after years of preaching scales of economy and then finally hooking up with Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep, Marchionne plans on just letting them go? Is SM just a con-man or is there some actually strategy behind his moves?

I always assumed it is as simple as there are too many car manufacturers and some car manufacturers will be allowed to die because of this? This is all part of the restructuring of the global economy.

SAIC/Nanjing could be an interesting bet to buy the American arm because their association with VW would allow the use of VW platforms to revitalize brands.

Their contract with VW pretty much specifically prohibits just that.

I still think the door is shut on FCA finding buyers. Hyundai is the only OEM with the cash right now, outside the Chinese, and the Chinese are going to be incredibly wary about investing in or taking over a US company in this political climate. That might explain why FCA is trying to unload Maserati and Alfa Romeo; as Italian brands, finding s Chinese buyer will be significantly easier.

Somehow I doubt Hyundai is the only OEM with big money right now, maybe after the Ioniq. And they have 2 brands which they manage well, in time they may figure what to do with hapless Genesis so I doubt they will take on anything foreign.

The Chinese may just buy a domestic brand to get a foot-hold into the US and absorb some IP for an advantage against their domestic peers.

Somehow I doubt Hyundai is the only OEM with big money right now, maybe after the Ioniq. And they have 2 brands which they manage well, in time they may figure what to do with hapless Genesis so I doubt they will take on anything foreign.

Toyota has more money than anyone, but also the least interest in acquiring competitors, or even expanding their stakes in holdings including Subaru and Isuzu.

But among the the big global players, yeah, that's it. GM might have enough to acquire another automaker, but they would rather invest in other priorities, like building up EV and autonomy capabilities. Ford doesn't have the cash because they mortgaged the farm to avoid taking bailout money, VW is tapped from dieselgate, Nissan/Renault just bought Mitsubishi, and Honda and BMW are too small to acquire someone the size of FCA (and are both still incredibly gun shy after Rover).

Genesis (the car) has consistently met or exceeded Hyundai's sales goals even in the economic downturn. Modest goals yes, but far from hapless. Hapless = Infiniti and Cadillac.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swallow Doretti

..VW is tapped from dieselgate...

Not necessarily. It's partner SAIC-Nanjing could buy FCA with an internal agreement between VW and SAIC-Nanjing that VW will take on engineering. Or VW could very easily have floated the idea to the Chinese.

I still think a Chinese company is a non-starter. Remember: every Chinese company is part-owned by the Chinese government. How in the world would Hair Fuhrer spin selling one of America'a most iconic brands to the Chinese government in 140 characters?

I still think a Chinese company is a non-starter. Remember: every Chinese company is part-owned by the Chinese government. How in the world would Hair Fuhrer spin selling one of America'a most iconic brands to the Chinese government in 140 characters?

If a major Chinese company invested in job growth in the USA, it would be OK. President Trump is all about keeping jobs here. He could very easily use this as a massive win and I look forward to the coming fiscal sanity he will bring to the Oval Office.